My FH5 Log: CODENAME R

The Volkswagen Golf R is the range-topper of the Golf range that possesses the most potent performance of any Golf in history.

This is the Mk7.5 Golf R, or should I say, the wrong Golf R I got during the early months of Forza Horizon 5. There is already an Mk8 Golf R out in the open but the producers stuck with the Mk7.5 Golf R because they've completely forgotten the memo.

After several whinings later, I got what I demanded on Forza Horizon 5; a Mk8 Golf R. The one with the new Volkswagen and R logos on it. It's part of the Super Speed Car Pack.

Served as the flagship variant of the eighth-generation Golf, the Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights.

While featuring various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others, the Golf R is powered by the 2.0L petrol engine which produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque.

The Performance version adds 13PS of power and while mated to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270kph.

North American-spec Golf R models have a 6-speed manual standard with the DSG as an available option.

The Mk8 Golf R featured in FH5 is the US-spec version with the 6-speed manual gearbox, the one Europeans didn't get. Although it feels wrong for me to have a Mk8 Golf R with a gearbox not offered in its native homeland, I'm super happy to sample what's known to be the ultimate Golf R ever made. While not bothering about its controversial interior, the performance and dynamics are all mild and menacing for a super hot hatch. It feels nearly easy to drive...all the time, and it demands more as the opportunity arises.

To see how much improvement the Mk8 Golf R has gained, I've challenged it against the Mk7.5 Golf R, the expired good I've never asked to have, and taken them for a one-lap time attack.

For a quick recap, the Mk8 Golf R's 2.0L petrol engine produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque. The main question is, does more power mean faster than the old model? Let's find out.

And now the results...

Golf Mk7.5 R - 59.743s

Golf Mk8 R - 58.876s

It's a close shave! The new Golf Mk8 R is nearly a second faster than the Mk7.5 Golf R! I'd say it's more of a scratch than a slash.

The Volkswagen Golf R is the range-topper of the Golf range that possesses the most potent performance of any Golf in history and the Mk8 Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights. It really is the ultimate Golf R ever made but only just.

At this point, I was going to end this log but like a good K-drama, there's a bonus section at the end of the episode, and with that...

Looks like Miss Ruli came out to play. Ah, idol girls, you can't resist their temptation.

With the jewel vibes on, Codename R...R as in Ruli...is off against a pack of legendary drivers gathering around a city centre on a racetrack crafted by one of Forza's number one fans. Let's roll, Miss Ruli, as most would like to call you.

Incredible. Nobody can catch her.

It's sad to say that the Mk8 Golf will be the last Golf to have ICE on it and this R is a clear reminder that it has reached its peak. Whatever the reason, It's an honor to meet what's known to be the ultimate Golf R. Although not ultimate, that will do.

Mission accomplished, Codename R.

My FM Log: Fast as fast can be

At long last, the Volkswagen car bearing the new VW logo made its way to the world of Forza!

Not only that, this is the first new Volkswagen car in the world of Forza to don the new R badge. The R models represent high performance and this really means something extreme...

Yes, the new Volkswagen R model that made the rounds in the all-new Forza Motorsport game is none other than...

It's the Golf Mk8 R, the latest version of Volkswagen's 4WD super hot hatch that combines familiar Golf practicality with extreme levels of performance you can expect for the ultimate version.

Served as the flagship variant of the eighth-generation Golf, the Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights.

While featuring various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others, the Golf R is powered by the 2.0L petrol engine which produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque.

The Performance version adds 13PS of power and while mated to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270kph.

North American-spec Golf R models have a 6-speed manual standard with the DSG as an available option.

Having got my word on the current-generation Golf R, it's time to take it for a spin around Lime Rock Park, experiencing what's like to be in the most powerful new Golf ever sold in the U.S. After all, this is the North American version of the super hot hatchback I've been demanding to have it featured since...its predecessor came out for wrong reasons. 

As I said, most North American Golf Rs come standard with a 6-speed manual so this is worth a challenge to experience it, especially when this one runs on the MQB Evo platform. Anyway, no time for words, let's roll the tape.

I managed to lap this car around Lime Rock Park in 1m14.739s. Sure, the 4MOTION adds drama to it as well as the understeer that made it worth a struggle but, on the plus side, at least it's more addictive to drive than the "utterly invalid" Golf Mk7.5 R.

Fast as fast can be, the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 R redefines everything you think a Volkswagen can do. Gosh, I would like to tell you even more about this super VW hot hatch but let's leave it here because this is worthy enough to don the new Volkswagen badge as well as the R badge. Better late than never, they said.

Things are about to get R-rated with this one...

Volkswagen Golf VIII R Variant

The Golf VIII R is the ultimate expression of the current-generation Golf that combines raw power and all-wheel-drive capability, creating the all-around Golf that can take on all comers. However, those who want some extra space should consider the wagon version of today's Golf R, called the Golf R Variant, and it's a poor man's RS4 Avant you want to try.

Priced at 51,585 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Volkswagen Golf R Variant truly is the Audi RS4 Avant on a budget and it's a high-performance station wagon that combines the fun factor of a Golf R with the added boot for some tailgating parties in case speedo boys threw a Euro-wide road trip.

The Variant possesses the same bits and bobs as its hatchback equivalent, meaning you can still expect the same beefed-up exterior design, minimalist interior, seating for five, not to mention the wide range of driving assists such as the new Travel Assist feature, Adaptive Cruise Control with predictive speed detection, Front Assist, and its IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, but because this is a Golf Variant on steroids, it's 237-litres more than the hatchback with the rear seats present, and with them folded down, it possesses 1624-liters of boot space.

Like the hatchback, the Golf R Variant is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine that produces 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed DSG and a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, it does 0-100kph in less than five seconds and an electronically-limited 250kph top speed. It also comes with a rear differential and joy of joys, torque vectoring that allows most to be transferred to the rear wheels. With such balance, the new Golf R delivers a more addictive driving experience for the drivers even when taken on either gravel or snow when needed. And it's driftable so you can send it sideways when you want.

This or the hatchback?

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen Golf VIII R

The ultimate Golf, the Golf R, is back on the eighth-generation model, completing the high-performance variants of the eighth-generation Golf. With the R back, the main question is, does it outperform the old model as well as the current generation's GTi model? Let's zoom in.

Priced at 50,220 Euros plus additional costs, the Golf VIII R sits on the higher position of the Golf food chain, slotting above our fan-favorite GTi, just like the previous model does. Unlike the previous model, the new Golf R is available only in a five-door configuration because five doors are better looking than three doors, as one simian said. Still, despite being offered only in five-door, the new Golf R fits well for those who are going solo or with friends while indulging in its turbocharged 4WD frenzy.

For starters, the new Golf R works and behaves like a normal Golf, judging from its minimalist interior that scares speedo boys straight, seating for five people, not to mention the wide range of driving assists such as the new Travel Assist feature, Adaptive Cruise Control with predictive speed detection, Front Assist, and its IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights.

However, because this is the ultimate Golf, the R features a more sporty exterior design that sets itself apart from the already sporty GTi model as well as its sport seats and blue accents on the inside that smell like swagger when you get behind the wheel. There's also an R button that can engage its Race profile, which is worth noticing even on track day Sundays.

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque. The only gearbox offered in the R, sadly, is a 7-speed DSG and with this gearbox (that some say sucks, sadly), not to mention the fact that it packs a new, performance-oriented all-wheel drive system, it does 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and electronically capped at 250kph.

Yes, with the DSG being the only gearbox offered just like today's GTi, it somewhat spoils the driving experience unlike the previous model it replaces, but while the gearbox is the big issue for the R, the all-wheel drive system is worth balancing act because it now comes with a rear differential and joy of joys, torque vectoring that allows most to be transferred to the rear wheels. With such balance, the new Golf R delivers a more addictive driving experience for the drivers even when taken on either gravel or snow when needed. And it's driftable so you can send it sideways when you want.

Speaking of balance, the Golf R featured various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others.

The new Golf R may be more expensive than the GTi and while the DSG-only offering and minimalist interior are not friendly for speedo boys behind the wheel, the addictive performance delivered by its turbocharged engine, performance-oriented all-wheel drive system, and improved dynamics, made the ultimate Golf even more ultimate than before. Yes, such dynamics can upset the GTi by a long shot but in the end, it's just a Volkswagen like every Volkswagen should be.

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VIII Variant and Alltrack

Want a VW Golf VIII but concerned about lots of stuff to handle? Look no more because the eighth generation Golf now comes with a longer station wagon version called the Golf VIII Variant and its rugged version, the Golf Alltrack.

The longer and roomier Golf Variant, priced at 24,070 Euros plus additional costs, and the slightly rugged Golf Alltrack, priced at 41.035 Euros plus additional costs, are back on the eighth-generation model and these are the kind of Golfs that were made for people who are demanding more boot space in the back for just about everything but don't want an SUV that spoils their tastes. Volkswagen understands them so they made these for such purposes, whatever the reason.

First and foremost, the Golf Variant looks and feels like the normal eighth-generation Golf from top to bottom. Sure, it bears the same striking design as its hatchback equivalent as well as the minimalist interior that spells bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel but since this is the estate version of the Golf, it's 48mm longer than the hatchback equivalent, meaning on the inside, it's surprisingly more spacious as well and you can fit up to 1,642 litres of boot space with the passenger seats folded down, which is slightly more than the previous Golf VII Variant.

Same goes for the Alltrack which features a slightly increased ground clearance and some added cladding to make it look rugged like the rest of the so-called crossovers roaming around the streets for whatever their purposes had.

At launch, the estate version of the Golf is offered in various flavors such as a 1.0 TSi, 1.0 eTSi, a 1.5 TSi, 1.5 eTSi, a rather questionable 1.5 TGi natural gas engine, and the 2.0 TDi engine, which is the one to avoid like all diesels sold in Europe. Depending on the variant, it can be mated to either a manual or a DSG. The Golf Alltrack, meanwhile, is available only with a 2.0 TDi engine mated to a DSG and front wheel drive only with 4MOTION to follow later. I know I was gonna say avoid this one because we live in a Europe where almost nobody likes diesels anymore but because the Golf Alltrack only has a diesel engine, looks like this is probably the one to avoid, sadly.

On the dynamics side, because it runs on the same stuff learned from its hatchback equivalent, the Golf Variant behaves rather well. Not sporty as such but it's worth enjoyable to drive. Of course, I was gonna say that the Golf Alltrack has dynamics similar to front-wheel drive only crossovers but because of my stupid advice of saying avoid this one because it only has a diesel engine in it, looks like it's nothing but a void for now. Sorry, Alltrack. Speaking of which, both the Variant and the Alltrack, like the hatchback equivalent, features available Travel Assist and the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights.

With the eighth-generation Golf now has a roomier estate version, would you like these rather than Volkswagen's crossover offerings? And if the Golf Alltrack gets an honest petrol variant, even with mild hybrid on it, which is unlikely for the time being, would you want one?

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VIII GTI/GTD/GTE

The forever iconic Golf GTI, and its alternative relatives, the diesel-powered GTD and the GTE PHEV, are back on the eighth-generation Golf, giving more ways to enjoy the return of an icon on this latest generation Golf.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTD

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTE

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

What's the difference you may ask? Sure, they are based on the eighth-generation Golf but have been given some sporty exterior treatment and checkered seats like every past GTIs had, not to mention the same minimalist interior that the normal Golf had, which speedo boys called it worthless because of the lack of buttons of it but there are hints that will differentiate them. There are tiny red accents on the GTi, blue accents on the GTE, and grayish accents on the GTD. Simple as that.

What lies underneath are different stories for each version. Starting with the GTI, it is powered by the improved version of the EA888 2.0L TSi engine which produces 245PS of power and 370Nm. Mated to a 7-speed DSG, which is the only gearbox offered for the time being sadly, the GTI can sprint from 0-100kph in 6.2 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. 

The GTD, meanwhile, is powered by a tender juicy EA288 2.0L TDi engine which produces 200PS of power and 400NM of torque, meaning it's almost a second slower than the GTi and 5kph less as well. 

Lastly, the GTE's PHEV setup features a 1.5L TSi engine connected to an 85kw electric motor which produces the same amount of power as you get from the GTI but with the environmentally-conscious side to lean on thanks to its 1.6L/100km of fuel economy. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, it can go from 0-100kph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of only 225kph. 130 when going on electrics.

Out of the three, the GTI is the fastest while the GTE is the most efficient and the GTD is the one to avoid because it's diesel, and Europeans of today are starting to shy away from the clattering burners.

On the dynamics side, since the GTI is the lightest of the three, let's put our attention to the GTI because this is the one we care for. Anyway, the new model, like the other relatives, feels so lively to drive than its predecessor while it delivers the classic formula we all love about since the very beginning. With the new Vehicle Dynamics Manager, front-axle locking diff, DCC, and progressive steering in place, it starting to show how much of a hot hatch it really is and despite all the technological breakthroughs implemented, it still remains a classic to drive. This front-wheel drive legend has a lot to live up to its name and reputation and it does it away with flying colors of the German flag.

On the pricing side, it's not what you called reasonable because the new GTI starts at 37,607 Euros while the GTD starts at 38,114 Euros and the GTE starts at a rather pricey 41,667 Euros so out of the three, the GTI is the one to buy.

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. With these three back in the eighth-generation Golf range, it looks like the legend is still the best to drive and although the new Golf GTi wasn't intended to take on the likes of its powerful rivals from Renault and Honda, it's still is the best hot hatch to get into the zone and break.

Enjoy these new and sporty Golf additions if you can!

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen Golf VIII

For the past seven generations, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most important models in history with over 35 million units sold worldwide since the beginning, and with the advent of the eighth-generation model, the all-new Volkswagen Golf promises to be the best Golf ever made thanks to its new design, interior, performance, and packaging fit enough for today's drivers in the ever-changing motoring landscape. Let's take an X-File about the eighth generation Volkswagen Golf.

2020 Volkswagen Golf

Starting at 28,570 Euros plus on road costs, the all-new, eighth-generation Golf is a step forward for the people's car and promises to be the most important model in the Volkswagen portfolio. With the Beetle now gone for good, the Golf is positioned to be the people's car for the new age of motoring and with over billions of Euros invested in the making of this all-important car, it's all about casting a light in the darkness Volkswagen went into since the controversial dieselgate that caused most of the motoring industry to turn down diesels for good. Anyway, enough about that because let's talk more about the Golf VIII.

2020 Volkswagen Golf

Starting on the design, the Golf VIII is now the best looking Golf in ages because of the new front face that delivers a bold statement for the drivers but that statement comes short when you approach different angles, which are like remnants from the previous model. Despite that, such design won't put them down because this is a Volkswagen Golf and it's all about getting the job done with no explanations.

2020 Volkswagen Golf interior

The interior is all-new from the ground up and it promises to be more connected and more spacious for all those who set foot inside. Of course, thanks to the use of its new digital architecture, the new Golf works like a bedroom office desk on wheels with so many gadgets to toy around such as a 10-inch infotainment system, Harman Kardon sound system, new interior background lighting, the first-ever Car2X communication, and sadly, Alexa in the VW Golf, meaning if anyone's driving one, he will spend the rest of the day toying around with Alexa on the road. Expect talk marathon thanks to this.

Tech aside, the new golf is surprisingly as spacious as the previous model and thanks to being five-door only, it's surprisingly accessible as well as the boot space fit enough for today's trips at the thrift store, which is too much to ask for anyone who has a living of buying stuff at the thrift shops and leave it at the boot forever.

2020 Volkswagen Golf

At start, the new Golf is offered with a choice of a 1.5L TSi engine and the utterly acceptable 2.0L TDi engine. Of course, since nobody will buy a diesel-powered Golf VIII in the beginning, they are making do with the only petrol offering available in the beginning, but no matter because while the choice of engines are minimal at launch, there will be more on the way, including electrified versions, which is the most important recipe of the new Golf because this is how it rolls in today's era.

Apart from that, the new Golf is definitely the most enjoyable and the most subtle Golf ever made thanks to the reworked comfort and dynamics it delivers. From the adaptive chassis control DCC, two different rear axles to choose from, a McPherson front axle, two steering systems, and many more, there are plenty of reasons to get to know more about the new Golf by experimenting with different kinds of dynamics and comfort settings and whichever Golf you're driving, the new model is all about getting the job done from the beginning of the day to the journey home without all the drama.

The new Golf is engineered to be the safest Golf ever made thanks to its wide range of driving assists such as the new Travel Assist feature, Adaptive Cruise Control with predictive speed detection, Front Assist, and its IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, the ideal recipe of safety at the hands of the most responsible drivers.

So, there you are. The all-new Volkswagen Golf is almost the best Golf ever made thanks to its new design, interior, performance, and packaging fit enough for today's drivers in the ever-changing motoring landscape. It's certainly one of the most intelligent family cars ever made and for a hatchback that has everything in this sleeves, it's worth a promising feat for the whole world to witness such rebirth of the people's car in new and exciting ways ever witnessed.

Photo: Volkswagen

GT SPORT: Past v Future

Counting down on the upcoming season of The Grand Tour, anyone remember the quick comparison test between the BMW i3 and the VW Golf GTi a couple of months ago? On that episode, both the GTi and the i3 had a drag race and then later, a trip to Devon to see concert at the pub, the trip where the petrol-powered Golf GTi trumped the i3, proving that the past is superior than the future. Let's see about that when I compare these two familiar machines right here on GT SPORT.




Well, here they are, although different than the ones seen in The Grand Tour season finale months ago. In the show, Jeremy drives a Golf GTi with five doors while James drives an i3 with the Range Extender feature. In here, I have a three-door GTi and a standard i3 without the REx feature but still, they act as similar as the ones in the show, giving me the ideal opportunity to get to know about the cars.




First, let's get to know about the car of the past, although it came out from the present times, the Volkswagen Golf GTi. On its seventh generation, the Golf GTi is utilized on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, which results to better ride quality and uncompromising safety. Under the hood, the 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine has been upgraded so now it produces 216HP of power, resulting to 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and onwards to 152mph. Apart from the performance, the GTi features improved handling such as the improved XDS electronic control differential lock, adaptive chassis control, and progressive steering, making this hot hatch as sporty as hot hatches can get.



Now, what about the car of the future, the BMW i3? Being one of the firsts of BMW's new i sub-brand, the i3 features futuristic styling with unbiased efficiency and dynamics electric car consumers are longing for. The electric motor that powers it produces 167HP of power and 184.4ft-lb of torque, bringing most of the power to the rear wheels, which is rather a surprise for an electric car like this. Although the top speed is just a dismal 93mph, the i3's electric motors deliver peak torque instantly, meaning it can get off the line quicker than the Golf GTi from a standstill, as demonstrated in that Grand Tour episode I mentioned. At full charge, the i3 can go up to 99.4 miles and when set to ECO PRO + with less air conditioning and power saving measures. 124.2 miles of electric range.

It's amazing that I get to meet along the car of the past and the car of the future but the question is, which one will prevail? To find out, I went to Brands Hatch to settle this debate.



You may remember that in the drag race portion of this comparo, despite the i3's peak torque, the Golf GTi managed to overtake the i3 and won, making the future very rubbish on television. So, what about the way it behaves when these two are taken very seriously for that matter?

As I tried these two machines, there is a clear difference between these two as even though the Golf GTi has improved handling compared to the previous GTis of yesteryears, it has a tendency to understeer just like any other front-wheel drive car but it feels so lively to drive with and brings out the GTi's true potential as a hot hatch that you can use it everyday.

The i3 maybe rear-wheel drive but it's no drift machine because of the nature of this electric compact but despite that, it has a healthy handling dynamics because the batteries are mounted in the middle for better weight distribution and because of extensive use of carbon fiber on the interior as well as aluminium chassis, not only it's rigid but also very lightweight.

Now, let's find out which one will be the best on a one lap round Brands Hatch. This will decide which will prevail for the future of driving...



And now, the results...

GTi -1:00.222
i3 - 0:59.622

That was a close call for these two machines because even these cars are between less than a second apart, they really are too close to call when it comes to figuring out which one is the best. I mean come on, I'm starting to admire that the BMW i3 behaves like a Golf GTi in every tangible way and because they're similar in terms of dynamics, looks like the boys are absolutely useless at handling these machines with common sense.



In the battle between the past and the future, it's hard to decide which one will prevail because as the world turns away from fossil fuels, electric cars will become the dominant figure of the future of motoring but some warned that with the rise of electric cars, the world's power supply can't keep up with the trend. In the meantime, while we appreciate the rise of electric cars, the conventional automobile should not be forgotten because even though we spend so much money on refueling our rides, it's safe to say that it was made to get through your ideal points of interests without the drama and as the world's bureaucrats are unleashing a scorched earth policy against petrol and diesel, it could be the ideal time to savor the moment of driving a car with internal combustion engine like there's no tomorrow. And that is the bottom line.

Forza Motorsport 6: March of the V-Dubs (Part Two)

Previously, I held a little farewell party for the best of VWs offered on Forza Motorsport 6 following the sudden announcement from the producers that they will be missed out all the Aussie fun in the upcoming Forza Horizon 3 game due to reasons I don't really understand. The 20th century hits from the Volkswagen timeline, including the Beetle and the Sambabus, had the time of their life, only then the arrival of the hottest V-dubs of the 21st century came into view.

Now, with the hottest 21st Century V-Dubs came here to celebrate their epic farewell party round Bathurst, let's see what's what on the list.



The Golf IV R32, a hot hatch famed for having a V6 engine upfront, which sounds unorthodox for a VW hot hatch, but resulted to being the the top dog of the pack.





The Golf VI R, a hot hatch that balances high performance and fuel efficiency thanks to its smaller but powerful 2.0L TSi petrol engine.





The Scirocco R, the hot version of the revived Scirocco three-door sport coupe and was heavily inspired by the one that made a class victory at the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.





The Golf VII R, whereas most hot hatches in VW history come and go, this latest version is how you make this Golf the most powerful in the range and make it live up to the fullest.



Watching those VWs roaming around Mount Panorama is like a flock of birds flying together on sunset and it feels so beautiful to watch when I see those driving through a slice of Australia together. Feels like their time has come for the V-dubs to bow themselves...unless, before the V-dubs say goodbye to the Forza franchise, looks like the V-dubs wanted to see which V-dub is the best. I managed to lap round Bathurst in any of the VW offered in FM6 and here are the results;

VW Type 2 - 4:12.154
Beetle - 3:58.047
Scirocco S - 3:26.661
Rabbit GTi - 3:21.710
Scirocco 16v - 3:14.776
Golf II GTi - 3:09.770
Corrado - 2:56.635
Golf III GTi - 3:03.056
Golf IV R32 - 2:54.343
Golf VI R - 2:48.192
Scirocco R - 2:46.390
Golf VII R - 2:44.110

The Golf VII R, being the pinnacle of the Golf hot hatch realm, seems to be the best VW to drive in FM6 because of its improved performance and character and when it comes to choosing which VW I would drive for one last go before VW's big farewell to the Forza franchise, this could be it. The one and only. The fast Golf. Yep. That's the one I'll be having a final go on it.



Phew. Guess it's time to say goodbye to the VW family in the Forza franchise. When they first came in the first Forza Motorsport game a decade ago, fans can't get enough of their greatest hits such as the Golf and the Beetle but now, they're all gone for no reason. It's been a wild ride for all of us.

Goodbye, VW.

Forza Motorsport 6: March of the V-Dubs (Part 1)

Now, when we heard the news that the upcoming Forza Horizon 3 will no longer feature Volkswagen in the lineup at launch, we were saddened by the shocking announcement that the iconic German car company will be missed out on its Australian journey on the next Forza Horizon game. Don't know why they exclude it but probably due to the ongoing scandals that VW faced so far, in fact, it's becoming not quite healthy for the scandal-stricken VW to be featured on video games, well almost.



It's a shame really because while we had fun driving the Golf VII R on FM6, it's sad to say that it won't be appearing in FH3 as well as the other VWs but because it's on an Australian landscape, maybe you can make V-dubs have a little taste of Australia...sort of. Well, since I'm on Bathurst, which is in Australia, I'd decided to give those V-dubs a little Australian vacation before their little farewell party.

In this first part, the 20th century masters of V-dub are having a little free time round Mount Panorama, Bathurst.



The classic Volkswagen Type 2 Sambabus, the minibus that became popular with the hippie crowd.





The original VW Beetle. As many cars go, this "people's car" remains one of the world famous cars in the history of motoring. It even got starring roles such as the original Bumblebee from the Transformers cartoons and Herbie from the wonderful world of Disney.





The first-generation VW Scirocco, which remains one of the most important VW hatchbacks to date and one of the finest specimens designed by the renowned Giugiaro.




The VW Rabbit GTi. Although this is an Americanized VW Golf Mk.I GTi, it's still one of the forefathers of the hot hatch realm.




The second-generation VW Scirocco. An evolution to the first one and the last Scirocco sold in the North American market.




The VW Gold GTi Mk.II, a second iteration of VW's hot hatch icon which takes its hot hatch level a little further.




The VW Corrado VR6, one of the rarest specimens on the road and already a classic in its own right when it stopped production two decades ago.




The VW Golf GTi Mk.III, a third chapter of VW's Golf GTi saga and it comes with the more potent VR6 engine sourced from the fallen Corrado.


Seeing those 20th century hits from VW, it's like living to its last toes while trying to fulfill what's on their bucket list today. From classic icons like the Beetle and the Sambabus, to hatchback favorites like the Scirocco and the Golf, those 20th century masters are living it up to the fullest like there's no tomorrow and because VW won't be coming back on FH3, presumably, feels like they're having a farewell party. Of course, they're all having a farewell party for VW's 20th century hits but what about the best of the 21st century from VW?

To be continued...